Gainako Newspaper

GON: Many readers at (GON) marvel at your prose. Many admire
the crispness of your insights and the concise language with which you
articulate your thoughts. Many in their mails to us tip their hat to you
for your immense literary prowess.

However the dilemma faced by this paper is how to interview
someone who is using a pen name and without his picture. While, this
is unprecedented in the history of this Paper, however we also
recognized the somber reality that people and their families can and
have been victimized for their opinions as a consequence of using their
real names in matters about the Gambia. (The State versus Fatou Jaw-Manneh)
and this more than anything else is our rationale for conducting such
interviews and our broader understanding on the need for some to resort to such pragmatic
approaches.

Please describe yourself to our readers and why you chose this nom de guerre "The watchman"

The WATCHMAN: Thank you (GON). Allow me to say that your approach to online
Gambian news is highly conducive to respectable interlocution between interested parties. You all
have been very kind and restrained in your dealings with not only me but anyone who's made an
overture. I am a proud Gambian, very shy and averse to publicity but full of passionate opinions about
the fate of our country as you can tell. My interests are soccer, music, improving the intellect, African
delicacies (I love Benachin) and my family. I was born and raised in Banjul, relatively young and
irrepressibly optimistic about the future. I opted for the nom de guerre "The Watchman" because I
observed while practically a toddler, that the watchmen who guarded my residence saw everything,
knew a lot, and protected what was deemed at stake but were literally anonymous and virtually
ignored. Their value was instantly recognized and exponentially increased when they fended off thieves
and other threats to the household. Yahya Jammeh is a thief. I am assiduously making sure he does
not pilfer the life and soul of The Gambia. Hence the name "The Watchman".

GON: In September 23rd, 2007 you wrote your first piece to Gainako entitle "What Sankanu
shows about Gambian democracy" in which you amongst other things stated that, and I quote
" One gets the impression that when Mr. Sankanu "writes" the motive is not one of elucidating
conversation but grandiose attempts to prove EVERYBODY wrong. There is also a thinly veiled
anti-US slant in his rants, which betrays contempt for those Gambians residing stateside.
Why this harsh assessment to a man that some considered not only a brilliant writer but also a very
objective critic, and will it surprise you to know that Mr. Sankanu does have a substantial fan base
on-line.

The WATCHMAN: Fair question. You see, I think Mr. Sankanu has potential to do a lot of
civic good with his obvious talents. What really disturbs my conscience and spurs me to object to his
approach is not the person himself but the flamboyant and careless modus operandi with which his
allegedly objective opined solutions have been effected. I believe that journalists and other
commentators online or elsewhere should be moderate and dignified in espousing views on very
critical issues such as the tools, strategies and productive abstractions that societies with a real hunger
for the fruits of authentic democracy can employ to overthrow tyrants or facilitate the rule of law. This
is necessary because it insulates them from accusations of a lack of credibility and makes it clear they
have no ulterior yearnings. It is one thing to say life in Germany is relatively better than in The Gambia.
It is absolute triviality when Sankanu slyly injects his allegedly new found opulence and supposed
romantic prowess into serious discourse of life and death situations facing the less empowered back
home. It makes him look like the famous bumbler and day dreamer of them all, Don Quixote de La
Mancha who imagined himself a prince and engaged in duels with imaginary monsters. If Sankanu
wants to engage the reading public on matters that are obviously personal or inadvertently silly, he
could consider a weekly column online where he can make us laugh and shake our heads in
appreciation and wonder. Then he wont be taken to task because others like me will realize it is just
comedy. He has yet to totally condemn the nefarious activities of the APRC cabal. This is a glaring
case of hedging his bets.

GON: In all your writings, like a one-man crusade there is always a strong Anti-Yahya Jammeh
theme, matter of fact you've gather quite a large following in the process. Consequently some people,
wonder if you are not just another disgruntle former employee of the very man you now so despised.
For we've witness far too many instances of former Gambian civil servant engaged in this double
standards.

The WATCHMAN: Ha! I've actually cracked up at these musings that have been rumbling for
a while now. I left The Gambia 3 years before Yahya Jammeh lurked into and defiled our State
House. To be honest with you, I miss home dearly and it breaks my heart to see what has been and
continues to be Yahya Jammeh's messy and bloody contravention of universal Human Rights and
common sense rules of decency for 14 tormented years. One trait I have which sometimes gets me
into trouble is that I never mute or suppress my objection to injustice and never would have tarnished
my still intact self respect by jumping onto the Jammeh freak show band wagon. In fact, had I been
around him after he toppled the Jawara regime on July 22nd, Yahya Jammeh would have plotted to
have me executed on July 23rd. My visceral dislike of Yahya Jammeh's antics comes from a deep
belief that this man is so mediocre, so unattractive as an ambassador of Gambian or even African
goodwill and so ugly in his crude machinations to hold on to power that he should be disposed of
forthwith ! You and I can do a better job and garner a lot more well deserved accolades were we to
be entrusted with steering the wheels of Gambia's welfare.

GON: Our editorial team, with the help some behavioral science guys, made this profile of you,
purely based on your writings, that you are;

a) Highly educated Gambian
b) You briefly worked for the APRC
c) You enjoyed access & privileges during the PPP regime
d) You are angry at The APRC because you lost the position in [c]
e) Your criticisms are not motivated by any altruistic reasons for the love of the Gambian
....people but rather by reasons stated [d]
f) Giving similar privileges in [c] by the APRC, the watchman would abandon his post

How wrong is this profile?

The WATCHMAN: If this was a crucial exam to pass with flying colors, you guys would have
failed miserably. You only got supposition A right but flunked the rest. I was a teenager during most of
the PPP regime which rules out any employment history under that administration. I was friends with
all kinds of people however, from those closest to halls of power to the blind beggar at the junction
who asked me for 50 Bututs on cue as I walked to school. Let me let you guys in on a secret: my
family and background consist of extremely moderate and dignified individuals. None of them, myself
included, will ever work for Yahya Jammeh and our pride as a family that has been involved in public
service to The Gambia since the earliest of colonial times, when the Union Jack flew all over the world
to warrant the saying " the sun never sets on the British Empire", wont allow us to join him in his
pathetic misadventures even at gun point. There is an excellent volume on modern Chinese History by
Harrison Salisbury which examines the birth of the republic from its founder Dr. Sun Yat Sen , its
despot Mao Zedong and its great reformer Deng Xiaoping called The New Emperors. In it, Mr.
Salisbury details how Mao Zedong, while not the brightest and smartest among the cadre of China's
leaders, nevertheless used guile, treachery and organized terror to outwit and out maneuver more
charismatic and intelligent rivals. This is what Yahya Jammeh has perfected to high art. This is the
biggest knowledge that has honed my core value: I believe that unto whom much has been given much
is required and serving Jammeh might as well be committing Seppuku, the Japanese art of ritual
suicide by disembowelment.

GON: Your recent criticism of Cherno Baba Jallow's article while within your purview (as well as
many others) raised this Question. Is it fair for you writing as "The Watchman" to criticized people
who not only uses their real name but even attached their picture to their writings, while you on the
other hand shield yourself from similar scrutiny by using a pen name, in essence remain anonymous
thereby limiting your critics only to the wrings you did under this pen and not to the whole body of
work you probably did in the past under your real name?

The WATCHMAN: You will be taken aback to know that prior to my humble contributions to
various online Gambian media, I had never penned a public article or anything else for that matter. My
hand was forced to act when I came upon the riotous behavior of Sankanu, Cherno Baba Jallow and
their ilk. My tact on writing anonymously or via an alias takes from the style that commentators from
political websites such as Daily Kos assume when they add to the views on the condition of these
United States. One of the diarists, as these authors are called, is Poblano. He is very popular,
prescient and accurate when it comes to poll and other electoral minutiae but no one knows who he is.
Unlike the Gambian writers who crave acknowledgement and kudos and exposure for their works,
the diarists at Daily Kos know what matters more is the righting of the ship that is society today, not
who they are. I happen to come from that school of thought so there you have it.

GON: In your views why is there always an endless cadre of Gambian intellectuals, vying for
positions within the APRC government, Men & women who by their training (�higher education)
should know right from wrong, yet chose to served the very government some considered autocratic.

The WATCHMAN: Greed, vanity and pride are 3 of the 7 deadly sins. Greed motivates
intellectuals to compromise their morals for venal gains. Vanity makes these Gambian intellectuals
believe Yahya Jammeh will see them as different and appreciate their efforts to help him build the
psychic and physical infrastructure of The Gambia. Pride is exhibited when they see themselves on
GRTS or other media being paraded around as the newest government appointees. We all know what
comes before a fall. You reminded me that I hate being called an intellectual because Pol Pot the
slaughterer of Cambodia's millions in '79 and the shameless intellectuals in The Gambia's cabinet are
one and the same. All of Gambia's ministers are accomplices to murder, obstruction of justice,
larceny, kidnapping and public indecency. They choose to stay in the Gulag because their master
Jammeh, has effectively manipulated their allegiance by shifting it from the sovereign Gambian people
to himself. He is the master of puppets.

GON: The Gambian opposition parties still reeling from the failure of NADD is yet to regain, its
momentum. While groups such as STGDP (save the Gambia democracy project) have been rekindled
as seen through their recent press release. Do you see any hope in the horizon for the opposition in the
Gambia after the last debacle?

The WATCHMAN: The key to effective opposition success, and I hope NADD and STGDP
heeds this, is not to expect success in one fell swoop. The ANC was about 60 years or more in
existence before it topple Apartheid in 1994. What Gambian opposition groups can do is set up an
aggressive media opposition and shadow government in exile to counter every bit of propaganda that
the Daily Observer and other state controlled orifices spew forth. This is in essence being done by
exile online publications but NADD and STGDP should have media consultants and message gurus to
apply pressure at all times. Next they should be aggressive in building alliances with international
groups vested in the promotion of Human Rights the world over. The international outcry over China's
role in Tibet is proof of strategic networking for publicity. Third they should persevere. No one gave
Morgan Tsvangirai of Zimbabwe's MDC opposition any chance to bring Robert Mugabe to his
creaky knees. They are very close at this juncture. It should be brought to the attention of Gambia's
opposition that words wont cut it when it comes to retaking The Gambia from Jammeh's blood stained
paws. Aggressive fund raising to provide material goods to the deprived back home to counter
Jammeh's corrupt practice of enticing loyalty through largesse. Once these measures are embarked on
with gusto, the APRC loons will quake in trepidation and the opposition can squeeze an advantage.

GON: There is this "school of thought" that claims that Gambians by nature are self serving
individuals who never finds anything wrong with any system as longs they are not directly affected That
even if the APRC is replaced tomorrow the behavior will continued unabated into the next regime. Do
you subscribe to this view?

The WATCHMAN: No because the onset of the internet age has disbursed knowledge and
opened the floodgates to political sophistication amongst the proletariat. Remember the APRC regime
is extremely repressive and the reaction of Gambia's people is out of much needed and
understandable self-preservation. The subsistence quality of life in The Gambia is such that as long as
NIA operatives are not hunting for the next "terrorist" or "subversive" amongst Gambia's peace
loving public, most persons will be busy fending for themselves because contrary to his lofty
proclamations, Yahya Jammeh's deeds have not contributed enough food on the table for the average
Gambian family. Instead he has fed them a daily diet of fear. When he is finally shooed away from the
trapping of influence, the jubilation will rival that of Iraqis dancing in the street to celebrate Saddam's
demise. And mark my words, after Jammeh, Gambians cannot and will not tolerate the same
shenanigans to occur again.

GON: While much have been made of Yahya Jammeh lack of higher education. However He has
ruled the Gambia well over a decade now. He has outwitted all his former comrades that were
instrumental in the July 1994 coup. He claimed to found the cure for AIDS amongst other diseases,
even Dr. Mboob a trained medical practitioner validating these claims. To some, people all this is
rather an aberration, an anomaly they say. But to what do you attribute his success and longevity?

The WATCHMAN: In his now notorious political memoir Mein Kampf , Adolf Hitler rightly
professed that only the biggest lies will be accepted as true so if one is going to fabricate castles in the
air, they'd better do it grandiloquently. What desperate, low educated and suffering villager wont like
to believe that finally a cure to his/her wretchedness is here at last. I think I already answered why
Jammeh has been durable in extending his reign but he is master of the cult of personality. Also he is
adept cultivating a sense of unpredictability even amongst his most fervent insiders. Let me give you an
example. Joseph Stalin killed Russian millions in the first half of the last century. His bodyguard walked
back and forth in shoes that made a particular sound and after years of protecting his master, he
decided his shoes were creating a slight commotion that might prevent Stalin from sleeping soundly.
When he finally swapped shoes and walked back and forth without his feet squeaking, Stalin
immediately noticed, became suspicious and had the bodyguard executed. Yahya Jammeh is no
Joseph Stalin but all dictators come from the same source of eternal damnation and venomous evil.
Unfortunately, these traits, unless they are faced with resolve and courage, can be adequate tools at
preserving heft.

GON: What are your prognostics of the future of the Gambia under the APRC?

The WATCHMAN: Life will be nasty, brutish and short but there is hope. I want to extend my
solidarity to the family of Fatou Jaw Manneh, the Athena of African journalists. She is a bona fide
hero and until she is set free, I will do my all to let justice reign. With quality individuals like her, The
Gambia will surely rebound from the Dark Age of Yahya Jammeh's lunatic ravings and decadent
rampages. God bless and protect our beloved homeland.

................PRESS RELEASE
STATEMENT BY THE UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY (UDP) NEW YORK, USA
CHAPTER ON THE HACKING / PHISHING OF THE EMAIL ACCOUNT:
Gambians and friends of the Gambia, I would first like to clear a misconception that may be present
in the minds of many. I am going to explain what happened with our email account according to
Yahoo who is the provider of the account.

According to Yahoo, there is no activity/information linking any Government, Agency or particular
group to the Phishing of the (UDP) email account.

Phishing is use here because that is the term use to describe the latest identity theft scam. These
thieves and con men use fake email messages, which look very real sometimes, to con you into giving
up sensitive financial, credit cards, and Bank information. Once you give it up they proceed to steal
your identity and run up thousands of dollars worth of debt in your name or Company.

Last Wednesday, an email claiming to be from Yahoo was sent to us and looks very official. They
impersonated, steal Yahoo?s graphic and logo proceeded to put together many, many emails which
look like they actually came from a valid Yahoo source and sent them in random. See the email below:

"Yahoo! Account Service" <center_data_message193@verizon.net> Add Mobile Alert

Subject: Yahoo!!!Unused Account Removal Confirm Your Account!!!

To:
Dear Account User,
This Email is from Yahoo Customer Care and we are sending it to every Yahoo Email User Accounts Owner for
safety. we are having congestions due to the anonymous registration of Yahoo accounts so we are shutting down
some Yahoo accounts and your account was among those to be deleted.

We are sending you this email to so that you can verify and let us know if you still want to use this account. If you
are still interested please confirm your account by filling the space below.Your User
name,password, date of birth and your country information would be needed to verify your
account.

Due to the congestion in all Yahoo users and removal of all unused Yahoo Accounts, Yahoo would be shutting
down all unused Accounts, You will have to confirm your E-mail by filling out your Login Information below after
clicking the reply button, or your account will be suspended within 24 hours for security reasons.

* Username: ..............................
* Password: ................................
* Date of Birth: ............................
* Country Or Territory: ................

After following the instructions in the sheet, your account will not be interrupted and will continue as normal.
Thanks for your attention to this request. We apologize for any inconveniences.

Warning!!! Account owner that refuses to update his/her account after two weeks of receiving this warning will
lose his or her account permanently.

Sincerely,
Yahoo! Team

................Gambia's first UK based
..Society & Entertainment Magazine Out Soon
.................................By Alieu Khan.................May 7th, 2008
The vibrant culture, tradition, society and nature of Senegambia heralded
the start of Gambia's first society magazine in the United Kingdom. The
maiden edition of this magazine called Nice Mag, will be out in June 2008.

According to the founders of Nice Mag, the fashion, beauty, personalities
and achievements of Gambians abroad have not been given the required
attention in the past and this is what this new magazine is out to cover.

Divorced totally from politics, Nice Mag will undoubtedly offer a holistic
view of Gambian developments in the arts, sciences, culture, society and
lots more. In case you wondering, one the people behind this whole initiative and the Managing
Director of Nice Mag UK Ltd is best known with the sobriquet Bio. He is the manager of Gambia's
most popular rap group Da Fugitivz and the European agent for Viviane. Bio lived in Sweden for
many years, before he moved over to UK. His presence is always felt where ever he is, because of his
commitment to Gambian showbiz.

The maiden edition of Nice Mag will spotlight a hardworking Gambian entrepreneur in estate business,
celebrity gossips you have never heard, exclusive interviews, Gambian parties, gatherings and much
other interesting stuff. It's widely believed that it's going to be a hip, exciting magazine that will keep all
Gambians smiling with joy. You can visit the magazine's site at www.nicemag.com.

.....SEYFO MORRO JAWLA SACKED
.........................By A Sami Resident..........................May 7th, 2008
The people of Sami district on Monday, April 21st, were the happiest people ever in the tiny Gambia
when Morro Jawla was finally sacked by the powerful president Yahya Jammeh. He has been
replaced by Kibo Leigh of Sami Pachonki village, a staunch supporter of APRC.

Morro Jawla became chief of Sami in August, 2000 when the Supreme Court of The Gambia
terminated Kebba Fanta Komma?s chieftaincy and declared an election for the vacant position.
Morro Jawla has been the second chief to be humiliated by the president despite all his support for
him at the district level thus making him to be at odds with people. Morro's arrogance during his
chieftaincy has caught people at a great surprise as he is known to be a very disciplined and
responsive man. Since his decency to the chieftaincy, he distanced himself from the people who voted
him to the position. Morro is also known for his anti- opposition comments and sentiments at political
rallies and on Radio Basse.

Most people here in Sami are wondering what reasons must have caused the president to remove one
of his loyal servants who insults people to appease him (the president). People have a very little
sympathy for him and even among his own relatives who accused him for been too pompous, rude,
arrogant and full of pride. At one of the village Bantaba's, the villagers said they will now resort to
prayers at the mosque during their five daily congregational prayers to seek God's protection from the
evils of the likes of Morro Jawla.

The question that most people are asking about the fate of Morro, an illiterate and unskilled man is
that if the Custom and Excise department will allow him to return to his former position. Allowing him
to return to that job people wonder if that will not jeopardize the job of those at the higher authority at
the Custom and Excise department by employing someone who is already been sacked by president
Jammeh. Morro is in a very sorry situation. But again, he deserved it.

In order to avoid embarrassment, the sacked chief hired a motorcycle to ferry him to Bansang at the
early hours of Tuesday morning, April 22nd to leave the entire Sami district. As I file this report, his
whereabouts is unknown. Some say he is at his marabout at Pakaliba or Serrekunda. But one thing is
certain that Morro Jawla is not in the village. He is now a fugitive from his own people.

.............The Chronicles of Bai Peul
.....THE GRADUATION
.........................By Momodou Laama Jallow.................May 6th, 2008
.."Perplexed, bewildered even embarrassed, many of the guests decide to leave before any more damaged is done
in their presence. The following morning, news of this meltdown hit the community like a tornado, many .realized
that what has happened is no graduation ceremony but rather the coronation of a fool, a nincompoop .who is
about to unleashed his double degrees wisdom to an unsuspecting community that has nothing but love .for him.
....Many lamented how they once hope his education, and training would mold him into a better soul"
Today is my day! I repeated Today! Is my day! Pointing his finger to the crowd
of guest that was in attendance, punctuating with emphasis every syllable in the
word "Today". I want everyone here to know that I, Bai Peul paid for this
microphone, paid for this D.J playing the music, and paid for all this food and
drink you are about to devour. Today I want everyone here to know, that I
Bai Puel have graduated with double degrees in History and History. This was
the opening speech of a bizarre graduation ceremony in the city of Waleigh that
in the years since then many came to regard as a defining moment, a watershed
event if you will to a character whose antics like a modern day T.V soap opera
was truly remarkable.

Today all my critics will know that I am now, Mr. "Andu Fof" Mr. "Ayaa Belon" Mr. "Ham Lep"
Mr. "Sabi all", and Mr."Kone Tout", continues Bai Puel. His guest caught off guard by this sudden
and unexpected tirade, froze for a moment unsure what to make of this bizarre introduction from a
man who like a wily politician had for weeks canvases every hamlet in the community, urging folks,
begging, even enticing the homeless, imploring everyone to attend his graduation ceremony. Surely this
is an occasion that should be marked by congratulatory remarks and merriment some began to
wonder.

Suddenly someone in the crowd yelled "Boy Melah", he turned to face that direction. The name
"Boy Melah", reminds him of his conquest in another realm and the word is dear to his heart, a small
smile came across his face. A sweat broke from his forehead run from his face and little tears came
down his cheeks. He pauses briefly to catch his breath, and then raised the microphone, and turning
towards the other guest continues. His face now fully covered with sweat, his nostrils a degree larger
than normal. My struggle in this town is epic and without precedence he continues. I have driven a cab
for 24 hrs non-stops, not even to relieve myself once while going to school at the same time. I used to
do my assignment in the cab while ferrying my customer's thro and fro. I have driven to every nocks
and cranny in this state. Once I even picked the Governor of this great State as a customer and he
was so impressed by my command of the English language that he said that I am the smartest African
he have ever met. That I reminded him of Mr. Nelson, even gave me an autograph, a one dollar bill
scribbled with the word "Bombastic" as tip for my services.

I used to drive my cab with one hand, and turning the pages of my textbook with the other. With one
eye on the road, and the other on the book, I would be reading and driving at the same time. This, my
friends is called "Multi-Tasking" in case you don't know and this word can only be found in
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, of which there are limited copies and I was lucky
enough to buy the last one at the corner store. In fact I drove this cab so much that the cab gave me a
disease. A skin condition, that thanks to my learned friend, the great doctor Kaczynskivile, The only
man in the whole world, who can cure this rare disease.

Today! Is my day and all you haters, critics will listened. I paid for this microphone and I shall not be
denied! In fact, I have heard some people said that my wife is even older than me. But I will answer
them today and show them how uneducated they are. Now! How can I, Bai Peul be younger than my
wife when I was in the same class with her? You see those naysayers can't figure this simple answer,
this simple logic but how can they? He asked when they never went to a university, never earned a
single degree not to mention a double degree. This complex critical thinking requires training in
advanced computational logic, statistical analysis, behavioral science and deep understanding of
chaos theory. I was the only African lucky enough to ever attend this privilege class. In fact I used to
challenge the professor so much so that after I left the university, they decided cancelled this class for
fear it makes Africans too smart.

In case many people here do not know, I was once voted "Head Boy" in my school. Out of a class
of 37 girls, and 1 boy, I was the only one elected head boy by the whole student body. In fact I used
to write for the school paper "Wah-Rek" and the whole school was so impressed and mesmerized by
the depth of my writings, that they made me the editor. I even changed the name of paper to
"Wah-Kat" to give it a new perspective, personality, class and respect I brought on-board to now
this reputable school. I was the first student-Journalist reporting for radio "Kang-Kang". Once I
wrote an essay that went round the world twice. This achievement was never duplicated until the
advent of the internet. In my final year in High school, I was voted the most "handsome boy" in the
whole school district by all 38 students in my class. In fact for those of you who don't know the "Rise
and Conquest" of Bai Peul as "Boy Melah" was started as a consequence of this endorsement.
Anyway I will save that topic for another day. For Today! I repeat Today! Is my Day, and I shall not
be denied

Perplexed, bewildered even embarrassed, many of the guests decide to leave before any more
damaged is done in their presence. The following morning, news of this meltdown hit the community
like a tornado, many realized that what happened is no graduation ceremony but rather the coronation
of a fool, a nincompoop who is about to unleashed his wisdom of double degrees to an unsuspecting
community that has nothing but love for him. Many lamented how they once hope his education, and
training would mold him into a better soul. How they now wish Bai Peul had stayed and complete his
"Dara" studies and never touched this so called European education "Jangi Tubab" , a knowledge
they fear is obviously getting him mad.

....FOOD PRICES ON THE RISE IN THE
.....GAMBIA; - Are There Any Answers?
......................By Solo, Banjul Correspondent��..May 5th, 2008
Food prices are on the increase in the Gambia as it has been reported in
many parts of the developing world. The price of basic commodities especially
foodstuffs has become a concern to not only the poor but also to the middle
-income earners in this country. The price of rice, which is the staple diet, has
catapulted from the minimum price 675 Dalasi per 50 kilograms bag to 780
Dalasi and from a maximum price of 750 Dalasi to 850 Dalasi per 50-kilogram
bag.

This reporter spoke to both retailers and consumers. Both sides agreed that the price of rice has never
reached this far. A retailer complained that their price actually depends on the price of the importers
or the wholesalers.

This reporter went to sound the views of the consumers at vous, draught players, who said they are
having it, very tough to take care of the food requirement of their families. Asked if they belong to any
consumer's association, they answered in the negative and said they don't think that existed in this
country. Asked how they expect the prices to come down when there is no pressure group pushing
for price reduction; they agreed that that would be difficult. This reporter reminded them of a group of
people who were advocating for price reduction over the national TV, they said they are aware of that
but that those people are begging the businesspersons to reduce prices. They argued how profit
seekers could bring down prices because of having only sympathy for the poor.

When asked to compare earnings to prices, they insisted that they are not comparable; that the
earning capacity is far below prices. Some say it is just like night and day or the sky ant the earth.
They said whoever is satisfied and can take care of his or her family must either be engaging in stealing
or has someone abroad who is giving a helping hand.

The low-income earners complain that if the trend continues they would not be able to give even the
poorest diet to their families let alone take care of other matters. On what they think of those who are
condemning retailers for the high prices; they opined that those are the apologists of the APRC who
always blame the businesspersons but refused to look at the role of the state.

As for the Worker' Unions, they are asking for 250 to 300% increase of salaries. They believe that
that would make workers salary to be above the consumer price index; that the daily minimum pays
would be 60 Dalasi per day. They said even though the president announced a 20% increase, that
would not be enough to solve the basic needs of the poorly or minimum paid workers; that the
government and private sector had been increasing prices without considering the pay of the workers
This reporter asked some civil servants whether they are enjoying the 20% increase announced by the
president, they said they are yet to receive that increment.

However the question that remains to be answered is what role is the Gambia government playing to
help bring down food prices or make it affordable to the poor? This reporter visited the government's
economic blue print " The vision 2020" where the Jammeh Government made elaborate promises of
food self sufficiency before the year 2020 for the Gambia.

Critics however argued that the government is not working on track; that the price of a 50kg bag of
rice in 1994 when the regime seized power was only 150 Dalasi and said if the regime is on target, the
price of rice which is the staple food in the country should have dropped instead of sky rocketing to
an astronomical sum of 850 Dalasi. They argued that the state has neglected Agricultural development
in favor of wasteful spending and the lack of priority planning to consistently reduce poverty and
hunger.

..DEMOCRACY IN THE 21ST CENTURY:
......Is Francis Fukuyama's "END OF HISTORY" On Track
..............................By Binneh S. Minteh.......................May 05th, 2008
In his book titled the end of history, Francis Fukuyama argued that "a remarkable consensus concerning the
legitimacy of liberal democracy as a system of government emerged throughout the world over the past few years,
as it conquered rival ideologies like hereditary monarchy, fascism, and most recently communism." He further
asserted that "liberal democracy may constitute the end point of mankind's ideological evolution, and the final
form of human government, and as such constituted the end of history." A careful analysis of the Global Political
Landscape could rightfully ascertain that governments that do not value democratic credentials turn-out to be
autocratic and therefore characterized by irrational policies under irrational leaders eventually leading to their
collapse. The emergence of democratic values has also successfully put dictators and autocrats under the radar
of an international limelight as seen in the most recent events in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Burma, Venezuela and even
the tiny West African state of The Gambia.
Many contemporary analysts however maintained skepticism overFukuyama's
assertion that liberal democracy has emerged triumphant as the dominant
political ideology over all the others. Francis Fukuyama may be right on track
especially following the end of the cold war and the bloody civil wars of the
former Yugoslavia. The clouded perceptions of all those skeptics have
continually appeared under a global political limelight as the proliferation of
democracies across the world has become no hidden agenda.

The former Soviet Union; a one time beacon of communism for example, collapsed in the midst of an
outright breaking away of member states in their quest of becoming sovereign democratic nations.
Today the European Union is home to most breakaway states of the former Soviet Union. This is so
because of the embracement of democratic values and ethics over other political ideologies.

Apart form the former Soviet Union, even the continent of Asia has undergone tremendous political
transformations. Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Pakistan and India, just to name a few, are great
examples of a spiraling democracy across the Asian Peninsula. The Maoists resounding victory in the
10 April elections in Nepal is also expected to doom the decade's long monarchy in that part of the
world. Even China that is considered a communist safe heaven is beginning to embrace some
democratic credentials. For example capitalism has begun shaking Chinese economic activities, and
today, China is home to numerous millionaires and billionaires, a societal classification that had no
room when China was a fully-fledged Communist nation. Fukuyama's projection that "we may be
witnessing the passing of a particular period of postwar history" is right on the dot. It may rightly be a
revolutionization of an ideological evolution and the "universalization of liberal democracy as the final
form of government." Although challenges to democracy are still evident in countries such as Burma
and Tibet, what is certain though, is that, liberal views are slowly creeping towards communist ideals in
that part of the civilized world.

The continent of Africa has also undergone similar transformations over the years. A political evolution
from what Guy Hermet (1978) described as "defacto-one party rule under 'pluralist' coercive
elections", to military dictatorships, and finally democratic systems of government emerged dominant
as the epitome of power structures across most African nations. The republics of Senegal, Mali,
Ghana, and South Africa, Mauritania, Guinea- Bissau, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania
and numerous other African nations are living testaments to the aforementioned assertions. Challenges
may still remain in consolidating a number of democracies across the African continent. According to
Larry diamond democracies in the developing world are "blighted by multiple forms of bad
governance: abusive police and security forces, domineering local oligarchies, incompetent and
indifferent state bureaucracies, corrupt and inaccessible judiciaries and venal ruling elites who are
contemptuous of the rule of law and accountable to no one but themselves." African democracies such
as that of Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Sudan are living testaments to the
aforementioned validity. In most cases, the consolidation of "executive powers" by autocratic
incumbents, the intimidation of the opposition, the "rigging of the electoral process" have become the
most common challenges to democracy in the developing world. The 2006-2007 presidential and
parliamentary elections in The Gambia, the most recent presidential and parliamentary elections in both
Zimbabwe and Kenya further speaks volume in that direction. In spite of all such challenges, the
majority of Africans still embrace democracy as the best form of human governance, therefore
keeping Francis Fukayama's assertion right on the dot.

Political activity in Latin America have also not only put autocrats and dictators on the spot light , but
also strengthened Mr. Fukuyama's contention about liberal democracy as the dominant political
ideology. Communism in the 1970's was defeated following strings of military coups across the
continent. During those days many remained skeptical about how democracy could survive over
military dictatorships. Following decades rule of such dictatorships, democracy finally emerged
triumphant as the dominant ideology across the continent. Although many scholars may rightfully argue
that Latin American democracy is marked by a shift on the left of the political landscape; democratic
ideals continue to be the beacon of the continents political activity. Today countries such as Brazil,
Argentina, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru and other's continue to
embrace democracy over all other political ideologies. The most recent elections in Paraguay marked
a watershed in the history of the country. The elections ended the reign of the decades ruling Colorado
Party. Although the victory was seen as a shift to the "left" by another Latin American country, one
could argue that it is still a victory for democracy. Even the December 2nd 2007 referendum in
Venezuela that unveiled President Hugo Chavez's first electoral defeat on his proposed constitutional
reforms, is a manifestation of democracy tightening the noose over other political ideologies.
According to Francisco Rodriguez, "Such reforms would have expanded executive powers, gotten rid
of presidential term limits, and paved the way for the construction of a socialist economy." To all those
skeptics of Francis Fukuyama: Was this not a victory for Liberal democracy? The defeat of President
Hugo Chavez in that referendum marked a turning point for all such skeptics.

It is also largely due to democratic ideals and values that has set many Latin American nations on the
path of visiting horrors of the past. Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have today set up
truth commissions that are investigating and prosecuting serious violations of human rights under their
respective former autocratic and totalitarian regimes. This could be contended to be the undisputable
victory of democracy, as a fundamental driving force that laid the foundation for such great institutions
of governance. Even Cuba that is still a communist state has embarked on adopting some basic liberal
market principles in her economic activities. Today, Cuban citizens can own mobile phones,
computers and private farm lands; a prominent economic principle of all thriving democracies.

Although scholars differ on Francis Fukuyama's assertion of democracy as the dominant political
ideology, many would however contend that most people across the world prefer democracy as the
genuine political ideology for mankind. Even the Middle East where a predominant monarchical
system of government and culture is in conflict with most democratic values, the adoption of liberal
democratic market values has become no hidden agenda. Examples could be found in countries such
as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Fukuyama's contention is therefore on
track that "a remarkable consensus concerning the legitimacy of liberal democracy as a system of
government had emerged throughout the world over the past few years. It has conquered rival
ideologies like hereditary monarchy, fascism, and most recently communism." Today it is also shaking
the worlds remaining tyrants and "elected autocrats" such as in Burma, The Gambia, Zimbabwe and
Venezuela. ..................

........A Cloud of Hope
....................................By Yero Jallow....................May 1st, 2008
Over the distant horizon skies
Appeared a mighty cloud of hope -unity
Ever the darkest promising cloud to form
With loud echoing thunder claps ablaze
And lightening that rainbows across skies
At a time when draught
Wilted mighty trees
And thirst killed humans
All but not the God to blame.

The sky lookers gathered around curious
The crippled crawled with hope of shine
The blind groped the glamour of love
In jubilation of the true cloud of hope
Not like the desert mirages of the oases
But optimism of true rains alas
That would shine the flowers of unity
Sway left, right �in fresh floating air
Attracting the nectar bees at buzz

With a louder echo
We heard in one chorus voice
"God is great! God is great!"
Resembling the mosque singers
Or that Obama wisdom
"Yes we can! Yes we can!"
At that point, all in one
Embraced the rains of unity
At once change began to shine.

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